The Czech Embassy in Manila introduces, in cooperation with its project partners, the rich culture of its country to the Philippines and its people. Bohemian Rhapsody celebrating the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and the Republic of the Philippines will bring in the islands the spirit of the tiny Central European country known for centuries under its historical name - Kingdom of Bohemia. A series of different cultural events focused on Czech music and Czech cuisine will be held in Manila and some other regions of the Philippines in the second half of October.

Classical music will be represented by the charming, talented, rising soprano star Noema Erba. She will be presenting a selection of songs from the greatest European classic composers. Noema, whose first performance in the country last March 2012 received a really enthusiastic response from the local audience, is now returning to the Philippines to present her mastery in opera singing one more time. During her Night in the Opera concert in Dusit Thani, she will be accompanied by Filipino musicians namely, tenor Conrado Ong III, baritone Marvin Gayramon, and pianist Prof. Augusto Espino.

 

Traditional folklore music from the Moravia region, the eastern part of the Czech Republic, will be presented by a group of young non-professional musicians, who called themselves Kubalovci after their old teacher and musical guru. In today’s modern technical world, these artists decided to engage with the music, which characterized their region for the past generations. After some years of performing together, they made their hobby to become mastery. Cheerful, relaxed and comradely is their music, as it was traditionally a part of rural fiestas and celebrations within their region, that is is known for the production of quality wines and strong home made distillates. For the Filipino audience, their concerts will be unique, when not the first ever, chance to encounter a cymbalo, a special musical instrument which the group is using.

Besides the two main concerts hosted by Dusit Thani Makati on October 20. and 21., which are intended for invited guests only (VIPs, personalities from Philippine political and business spheres and Manila diplomatic core), the Czech artists will perform in more occasions aiming to show the Czech music to the general public, e.g. to students and families.

            What the music is for the soul, the food is for the body. The Czech Cuisine is appreciated worldwide in the circles of culinary experts and for sure will receive a more than positive response among the Filipinos, who are known for their passion for food. Czech chef masters of the culinary art will be hosting in the kitchen of the Chef of Dusit Thani Makati, serving specialties and various delicacies of the Czech Cuisine in the hotel restaurant for all the local gourmands for an entire week (October 23 to 27).

List of venues:

            The soprano, Ms.Noema Erba:

Dusit Thani Makati; October 20.

tbc [UP concert +workshop October 22.]

Czech National Day Reception; October 28.

            Czech Folklore Group Kubalovci:  

Dusit Thani Makati; October 21

Glorietta 5, October 18.

tbc [UST, October 18.]

tbc [UST, October 18.]

tbc [Sta. Isabel College, October 19.]

Rizal Park; October 19

Czech National Day Reception; October 28.

Czech Chefs: 

Dusit Thani Makati October 23. – 27.

Czech National Day Reception; October 28.

Project partners and sponsors:

TraveLife magazine (media partner)

Dusit Thani Makati (venue partner)

Etihad Airways

HC Consumer Finance Philippines

tbc [RP Connect]

tbc [KoR]